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K-drone exports set record high, reach 30 countries
Drones demonstrate their ability to extinguish mountain fires during a government-military joint exercise near the Forest Aviation Headquarters in Wonju, Gangwon Province, Nov. 6. Yonhap
By Ko Dong-hwan
Korea’s drone-related exports reached a record high this year, posting a 58 percent increase from the previous year and expanding into 30 global markets.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said Monday that Korea’s drone exports have posted steady growth over the past five years. The government added that it has designated the United States as a key market and plans to expand exports of products fully designed and manufactured by domestic firms.
Exports this year reached 36.8 billion won ($25 million), up from 23.2 billion won last year. Export destinations expanded from 13 to 30 countries across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Major importers by volume include the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Germany, Singapore and the U.S.
Assembled drones accounted for 84 percent of total exports, including models with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, multipurpose functions and monitoring features. Drone-based services, such as inspections of wind power turbines and other facilities inaccessible from land, made up 13 percent. The remainder consisted of hardware components, including batteries and flight control devices, as well as software such as fish school detection systems.
A police officer operates a drone to inspect E-Land Fashion’s burned logistics center in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, Nov. 21. Yonhap
To bolster exports, the government has promoted Korean firms in global markets through international drone exhibitions. In cooperation with the Korea Institute of Aviation Safety Technology and Korea Transportation Safety Authority, the government hosted drone road shows in the U.S. and Japan this year. Since 2022, these events have been held in 10 countries.
As a result, 17 Korean drone firms recorded exports this year, with two companies receiving government recognition after their overseas sales exceeded $2 million and $3 million, respectively.
Beyond exports, Korea has also expanded academic, business and technological exchanges with other countries. The government opened a drone academy in Ghana this year, following the launch of a similar facility in Kazakhstan last year, with Korean firms providing training tailored to local needs. Korea has also signed 59 memorandums of understanding with 29 countries this year and is pursuing 20 proof-of-concept tests in overseas locations.
“Korean drone technologies and their market presence are spreading worldwide. Next year, more fully domestically developed drones, components and services will enter the U.S. market. The government also plans to host an annual drone exhibition and a global conference next year to promote K-drones,” said an official from the ministry’s Aviation Policy Division.